Page 21 of Logan

The man handed over the documents with a drunken grin. “There you go, dep-ty.”

Logan took them and retreated to his patrol SUV. As he ran a check on the man’s information, he called for backup. He wasn’t sure what this traffic stop would turn into, but he needed someone else there to help with Dixie.

As he listened to the dispatcher tell him about the man’s extensive DWI record and suspended license, Logan couldn’t hide his frustration. This was not going to end well. He stepped out of his car once again and walked toward the driver, standing by the back of his vehicle.

“Did you know your license was suspended?”

“I thought that was fixed now,” the man slurred.

“Well, it’s not.”

“Okay, well as soon as I drop her off, I’ll head home,” the driver said casually.

“No, sir. Would you be willing to take a sobriety test?”

“Like doing what?”

“Walking heel to toe, saying the alphabet. You do know your alphabet, right?”

“Yeah, but…”

“But, what?”

“I don’t think I can say them alphabetically.”

“What the fuck,” Logan muttered under hisbreath and sighed. “How else would you say them?”

“Just anyway I can get them out. A, D, B—”

“Stop. Are you willing to do other tests? I think the alphabet is a lost cause with you.”

“What if I say no?”

“Then I’ll arrest you based on my observations that you are driving while intoxicated.”

“And if I do take it and don’t pass?”

“Same outcome. You’ll be arrested.” Logan shrugged.

“I’m not gonna wait around for that,” the man argued.

“Yes, you will.” Logan leaned against the trunk of the car.

“You can’t make me stay here,” the belligerent man yelled.

“Sir, you were driving while intoxicated, your license is suspended, and you have multiple previous DWI charges. You are not going anywhere. Hell, your inability to recite the alphabet…alphabetically, is enough to take you in.”

In a fit of rage, the man stormed toward his own car and got inside. But before he could close the door, Logan reached in and yanked him out by his collar. The man swung wildly at Logan but missed, and Logan quickly pushed him against the side of the car. With practiced ease, he pulled the man’s arms behind his back and handcuffed him.

“You’re under arrest,” Logan snapped, then read the man his rights as he escorted him to the back of the patrol vehicle. After helping himinside, Logan slammed the door shut and took a moment to compose himself before walking back to Dixie.

“What’s going on, Dixie? Did he hurt you?” he asked her, standing beside her with his hands on his hips.

“No, he just scared me. I tried to get him to let me drive but he refused.”

“You shouldn’t have gotten into the car with him,” Logan snapped.

She turned to face him. “Do you think I don’t know that? I didn’t realize just how drunk he was until he drove for a little while, then I asked him to pull over and let me out, and he said he was fine.”

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